The Brazilian legend Neymar has announced the end of his career in international football, as he has said that he has no intentions to come back to play for Brazil after they were knocked out of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in an early stage.
After the match of Santos against Universidad Central of Venezuela in the Copa Sudamericana, ending in the victory of Santos by 4-2, the Brazilian striker of 34 years made the whole speculation go away. His recent remarks are reminiscent of his remarks made after they were defeated in the Round of 16 by Norway.
He claimed that he was happy about everything he accomplished in Brazil’s colors, but the time has come for him to move on.
Reflecting on his international journey, he said he had given everything for the national team and no longer wished to continue representing the five-time world champions.
The forward leaves international football as Brazil’s all-time leading scorer, having recorded 80 goals and 58 assists in 130 appearances. Across four FIFA World Cup campaigns, Neymar became one of the country’s most influential players of his generation, although he was unable to secure the one title that eluded him throughout his career—the World Cup. His only major senior trophy with Brazil came in the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup.
Brazil’s elimination by Norway marked the nation’s earliest World Cup exit since 1990, ending hopes of a record-extending sixth world title. Neymar, who returned from injury to feature in the tournament, scored a stoppage-time penalty in what has now become his final international appearance. The defeat prompted an emotional reaction from the veteran, who hinted immediately afterward that his time with the national team had ended.
His retirement closes one of the most successful individual careers in Brazilian football history. Having starred for Santos, Barcelona, and Paris Saint-Germain before returning to his boyhood club, Neymar now shifts his full attention to club football while Brazil prepares for a new era under a rebuilding national team.
